- The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of 2019 general elections

- The group said the inquiry should address many issues that have bedeviled the conduct of the polls

- Situation Room said the inquiry should focus on procurement, logistics management, role of the military and abuse of process by INEC officials amongst others

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of 2019 general elections.

The group made the call at a press conference addressed by its convener, Mr. Clement Nwankwo on Sunday, March 10.

The group said the inquiry should address many issues that have bedeviled the conduct of the polls including procurement, logistics management, role of the military and abuse of process by INEC officials amongst others.

“Situation Room calls on INEC to take the lead in pushing for reforms in the electoral process. Of immediate importance is the need for INEC to call out publicly institutions, individuals and events that may have undermined its ability to carry out its mandate.

“It is also important that INEC is honest in admitting its own failures. This is needed urgency in restoring faith in the election process. There must be individual accountability for violence and manipulating of the election process. This is a collective duty for all law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.

“We cannot as country afford to permit this level of impunity and disruption of the election process. INEC should lead on this and transparently inform Nigerians where it encounters challenges.

“The number of fatalities around these elections is unacceptable. Voters, INEC officials and security agencies have lost their lives. We call for reasonably packaged compensation to families who have lost lives in these elections.

“INEC officials and security agents who have suffered physical and psychological injuries must be supported and rehabilitated.”